Viva Goa

As far as we know, there isn’t any other restaurant in the city specializing primarily in dishes from the state of Goa in western India. Rarity alone is one reason to head to this Marina spot. The other is their seafood dishes that are worth crossing town for. Exhibit A: the prawn xacuti. It’s a coconut-heavy Goan curry that’s complex and slightly sweet, and loaded with a generous helping of shrimp. Another must-order is the tandoori fish, which arrives sizzling on a platter and is flaky enough to cut with a spoon. Viva Goa is never too packed and there are plenty of tables available for walk-ins, which makes it perfect for last-minute dinners where we can also hear what our friends are saying from across the table.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Food Rundown

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Prawn Xacuti

This dish should always be on the table. It’s coconutty, is packed with perfectly cooked prawns, and is exactly what we want to dig into after a day that dragged on a little too long.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Tandoori Fish

Viva Goa never disappoints in the seafood department. The tandoori fish is no exception. It makes its grand entrance onto your table still sizzling, smelling fantastic, and topped with bell pepper slices and a lemon to squeeze all over.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Navrattan Korma

A creamy vegetable-heavy curry that we’ll never say no to ordering. You’ll feel good about the decisions you’ve made today when you scoop up the peas, carrots, and onions with some garlic naan.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Chicken Tikka Masala

A staple at most Indian restaurants, and, unsurprisingly, Viva Goa nails their version. You can’t go wrong with this.